In this May 2, 2012, file photo, Kate and Gerry McCann pose with a missing poster, an age progression computer generated image of their daughter, Madeleine, at 9 years old in London. / Sang Tan, AP

by By Melanie Eversley, USA TODAY

by By Melanie Eversley, USA TODAY

Almost six years to the day that their young daughter disappeared on a vacation in Portugal, the parents of Madeleine McCann say the Ohio case in which three abducted women were found more than 10 years after their disappearance gives them hope.

Kate and Gerry McCann said through a statement that the Cleveland discovery that has resonated worldwide underscored their hope they would find their little girl. In the Ohio case, three women and a girl borne to one of them during captivity were discovered after allegedly being held for years by three brothers.

"The discovery of these young women reaffirms our hope of finding Madeleine, which has never diminished," The Guardian and other news organizations report the couple said in a statement. "Their recovery is also further evidence that children are sometimes abducted and kept for long periods. So we ask the public to remain vigilant in the ongoing search for Madeleine."

The statement continued, "Our thoughts are with the women in America and their families."

The McCanns observed the anniversary of their little girl's disappearance by attending a ceremony in Rothley, Leicestershire, in the United Kingdom.

Madeleine McCann, then 3, disappeared from her family's vacation apartment in Portugal on May 3, 2007, while her parents thought she was sleeping. May 12 will mark Madeleine's 10th birthday.

That sentiment of hope appeared to be shared on social media too.

On a Facebook community page titled "Madeleine McCann" that has attracted 1,199 "Likes," one follower wrote Tuesday morning, "Amanda Berry in Cleveland found after 10 years!!!!!!! We must not give up‚?¶ There is so much hope!!!!"

Another wrote Tuesday afternoon, "Finding those young women alive gives hope that little Madeleine will come home one day."

Meantime, Scotland Yard ‚?? London's Metropolitan Police ‚?? issued an age-progressed photo of Madeleine McCann last month, along with a statement saying the agency believes the girl is still alive.

A review of the investigation started in May 2011 and has focused on three strands: the investigation in Portugal, inquiries made by law enforcement in the United Kingdom and the work of private investigators or agencies, according to a Scotland Yard statement. The department plans to present Portuguese authorities with 195 "investigative opportunities," the statement said.

"The objective of the review team is to work with the Portuguese authorities with a view to having the case, which has remained closed since 2008, re-opened in due course," the statement read.